WSU Officer Collin Rose's funeral: 'He was special'

Funeral for Wayne State Officer

Detroit Free Press staff , WZZM6:08 PM. EST December 01, 2016

Police officers salute and pallbearers mourn as the casket of Wayne State University Police Officer Collin Rose is brought out from inside the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in St. Clair Shores on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. (Photo: Eric Seals, Detroit Free Press)

DETROIT, MICH. - Police from across the country are gathering today in St. Clair Shores for the funeral for Wayne State Police Officer Collin Rose.

Rose, a K9 officer, died a day before Thanksgiving after being shot in the head while on duty in the Woodbridge neighborhood not far from campus.

Officers are bringing their police dogs in tribute to Rose, who was passionate about his work.

The service at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 22412 Overlake, begins at 11 a.m. Rose will be buried at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township.

A viewing Wednesday at Ford Field drew officers and police dogs from across the state and beyond.

"It was a really amazing showing (of) the tightness of that canine police group ... something to really comfort the family, and we just greatly appreciate it," said Wayne State Lt. Patrick Saunders, who was Rose's supervisor.

Rose, who had two police dogs — Clyde and Wolverine — worked as part of Ford Field's security team on Detroit Lions game days. The visitation was a first for the stadium, according to a Ford Field spokesperson.

The line for officers to enter the church is growing. Officers from Lansing, Grand Rapids, Saginaw w/tons of local PD pic.twitter.com/S2DIjgybL1